Hockey training device

ABSTRACT

A hockey training device having a pair of posts extending vertically relative to the surface, a crossbar interconnecting the pair of posts, and a stick trainer pivotally coupled to the crossbar at a first end and extending to a blade at an opposing end. The stick trainer is pivotal between a first position where the blade is in contact with the surface and a second position where the blade is spaced apart from the surface. The stick trainer is preferably biased into the first position to simulate an opponent holding a stick. The pair of posts, the crossbar, and the stick trainer are at least partially covered by foam and may be detachable from each other transporting the device. A pair of supports having a series of spikes may be used to secure the device on an ice surface during use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to sports training equipment and, more specifically, to a device for use in training and developing skills for the sport of hockey.

2. Description of the Related Art

As with any sport, proficiency in hockey requires the development of specialized skills. In addition to skating skills, agility with a hockey stick and accurate shooting are fundamental aspects of the game. Conventional approaches to developing stick skills involves the use of drills and training aids, such as targets that simulate players and goals. While these devices can certainly help develop player skills, they do not adequately replicate game scenarios. For example, conventional approaches do not simulate the correct dimensions that would enable a player to practice the skill of shooting pucks through a defender, i.e., between the legs and stick of the player. Conventional approaches also do not allow a player to practice stealing a puck from another player in a realistic manner. Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a device that can closely replicate situations encountered during the game of hockey for the improvement of player skills.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a hockey training device that provides for multidimensional skills training while being portable, durable and light weight for ease of use and transportation. More specifically, the hockey training device is designed for positioning on a surface and comprises a pair of posts extending vertically relative to the surface, a crossbar interconnecting the pair of posts, and a stick trainer pivotally coupled to the crossbar at a first end and extending to a blade at an opposing end. The stick trainer is pivotal between a first position where the blade is in contact with the surface and a second position where the blade is spaced apart from the surface. The stick trainer is biased into the first position, either by weighting the stick trainer or using a spring such a spring hinge to pivotally connect the stick trainer to the crossbar. The pair of posts, the crossbar, and the stick trainer at least partially covered by foam. The pair of posts and the crossbar may be detachable from each other. The pair of posts and the crossbar may be interconnected by a quick connect fitting. The device may further comprise a pair of supports, each of which is coupled to a corresponding one of the pair of posts. Each of the supports may comprise a series of spikes for engaging the surface. Each of the series of spikes comprises a threaded shaft removable threaded into one of the pair of supports.

The device of the present invention may be used for skills training methods including positioning a puck in proximity to the blade and then stealing the puck by engaging one of the stick trainers with a hockey stick so that the one of the stick trainers is moved from a first position in contact with the surface to a second position where the one of the stick trainers is spaced apart from the surface. The device may also be used by shooting a puck so that is passes between the pair of posts without contacting the blade of at least one of the stick trainers. The device may further be used by moving a puck in a figure eight so that it passes between the posts and around the blade of each stick trainers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hockey training device according to the present invention in a first configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hockey training device according to the present invention in a second configuration;

FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away of a stick trainer for a hockey training device according to the present invention that has a weight block incorporated therein;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a portion of a support having spikes for a hockey training device according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a boot for the blade of a stick trainer according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic of an exemplary quick connect system for use with a hockey training device according to the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a method of skills training using a device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the figures, wherein like numeral refer to like parts throughout, there is seen in FIG. 1 a hockey training device 10 according to the present invention. Device 10 comprises a pair of upstanding posts 12 and 14 that are spaced apart by a crossbar 16. Posts 12 and 14 are maintained in a vertical orientation during use of device 10 by a corresponding pair of supports 18 and 20 that are coupled to and end extend horizontally from the bottom of posts 12 and 14, respectively.

Crossbar 16 includes a pivotal coupling 22 along an intermediation portion thereof that interconnects crossbar 16 to at least one stick trainer 24 that extends downwardly and obliquely toward the surface of the ice and terminates in a blade 26 positioned at the end of stick trainer 24. Blade 26 and stick trainer 24 are angled to replicate a standard hockey stick when held by a player in contact with the ice surface. As seen in FIG. 1, a second stick trainer 24 may be positioned to extend from the opposing side of crossbar 16.

Pivotal coupling 22 allows stick trainer 24 to pivot between a first position, as seen in FIG. 1, where blade 26 is in contact with the surface of the ice on which device 10 is positioned, and a second position as seen in FIG. 2, where blade 26, has rotated upwardly about crossbar 16 and is spaced apart from the surface of the ice. Stick trainer 24 is biased to resist movement from the first position to the second position to simulate an opponent firmly holding a stick so that a user can develop the skill commonly known as “stick lifting” used when stealing a puck from an opponent. Preferably, the biasing of stick trainer 24 should provide sufficient biasing so that movement of stick trainer requires the equivalent of between 2 and 10 pounds of force. For example, stick trainer 24 may be provided with a weight block 28 in an amount desired by a user that is attached around stick trainer 24, such as between 2 and 10 pounds. Referring to FIG. 3, stick trainer 24 may be weighted by the use of weight block 28 positioned within stick trainer 24, including without limitation an amount of sand positioned in stick trainer 24 to provide an even distribution of weight along stick trainer 24. Stick trainer 24 may instead be coupled to crossbar 16 by a resistance band to provide a biasing force that resists movement in to the second position and requires between 2 and 10 pounds of force to overcome the biasing to move stick trainer 24 into the second position. Alternatively, pivotal coupling 22 may comprise a spring hinge that pivotally couples stick trainer 24 to crossbar 16 and provides biasing against movement of stick trainer 24 into the second position.

Referring to FIG. 4, supports 18 and 20 may each include a row of spikes 30 position along an underside surface 32 thereof for engaging the surface of an ice rink or other surface of ice, such as a pond, and holding device 10 in place for use. For example, spikes 30 may comprise a threaded shaft 34 having a pointed tip 36 that can be rotated into a boss 38 positioned in surface 32. Spikes 30 may thus be replaced easily or removed so that device 10 may be used on a surface other than ice, such as an indoor floor or carpet. At least one spike 30 may additionally be provided on the underside of blade 26 and can extend obliquely to blade 26 to help retain device 10 in a fixed position, such as when device 10 is placed on an ice surface. As seen in FIG. 5, a resilient boot 60 may be positioned over blade 26 to protect the user when stick trainer 24 is being raised. Boot 60 may additionally include screw-in style spikes 62 to provide additionally stability to device 10 device such as when device 10 is being hit with a shot.

Supports 18 and 20, posts 12 and 14, crossbar 16, and stick trainer 24 may be manufactured from various materials including wood, steel, aluminum, or polymers such as polyvinyl chloride. Any or all of the interconnection locations between supports 18 and 20, posts 12 and 14, crossbar 16, and stick trainer 24 may be formed from fittings that are detachable. For example, as seen in FIG. 6, quick-release tube fitting 46 having push pins 42 may be used to connect to crossbar 16 and post 12 having corresponding receiving holes 44 for push pins 42. Other conventional approaches for coupling round and square metal tubing element together may also be used, including friction fits joints, pull pins, etc. so that device 10 may be broken down for easy transportation.

In one embodiment, supports 18 and 20 may be dimensioned to position crossbar 16 about 18 inches above the ice surface and be spaced apart from each other by 28 inches to simulate the distance between the skates of an opponent and form an opening that can serve as a target for practice. As a result, stick trainer 24 will be about 24 to 25 inches long. Blade is preferably about 10.5 inches. Device 10 preferably includes padding 40 that extends over posts 12 and 14 as well as crossbar 16 and stick trainer 24. Padding 40 may comprise high density foam for protecting posts 12 and 14, crossbar 16 and stick trainer 24 during use. Device 10 may further include a handle 50 positioned along the top of crossbar 16 for ease of transportation and positioning.

Device 10 may be used to develop a variety of skills. For example, posts 12 and 14 define a shooting target that is partially blocked by stick trainer 24 and thus may be used to practice shooting skills from any distance away from device 10. Stick trainer 24 replicates an opponent holding a stick and thus may be used to puck stealing skills where a user can push stick trainer 24 into the second position against the biasing forces on stick trainer 24.

Device 10 may thus be secured in place on a surface, such as the ice of an ice rink, and used for training. For example, a user can direct shots between posts 12 and 14 to improve accuracy. The dimensioning of posts 12 and 14, and the positioning of stick trainer 24 simulates an actual player and thus allows user to practice the skill of shooting a puck through a defender so that the puck misses the legs and stick of the player.

A user may also place a puck against blade 26 and practice stealing the puck, with the pivotal movement of stick trainer 24 and biasing of stick trainer 24 replicating an opponent that is trying to prevent the user from stealing the puck away. The weighting of stick trainer 24 replicates the force that an actual player would provide, and helps the user develop the forearm strength that is required for shooting and to be able to lift the stick of an opponent in order to steal the puck away from that opponent.

Device 10 having dual stick trainers 24 may be used to practice stealing from in front or behind, or for allowing multiple users to practice simultaneously. For example, two stick trainers 24 on opposing sides of device 10 allow a user to practice moving the puck around an obstacle in many different directions in a confined area. As seen in FIG. 7, a user 52 may position to one side of device 10 and practice using his or her hockey stick 54 to move a puck 56 quickly in a figure eight pattern as shown to improve stick handling skills and puck control as well as to improve motor skills and response times. 

1. A hockey training device for positioning on a surface, comprising: a pair of posts extending vertically relative to the surface; a crossbar interconnecting the pair of posts; a stick trainer pivotally coupled to the crossbar at a first end and extending to a blade at an opposing end, wherein the stick trainer is pivotal between a first position where the blade is in contact with the surface and a second position where the blade is spaced apart from the surface.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the stick trainer is biased to resist movement into the second position.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the pair of posts, the crossbar, and the stick trainer are at least partially covered by foam.
 4. The device of claim 2, wherein the pair of posts and the crossbar are detachable from each other.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein the pair of posts and the crossbar are interconnected by a quick connect fitting.
 6. The device of claim 5, further comprising a pair of supports, each of which is coupled to a corresponding one of the pair of posts.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the blade comprises a spike for engaging the surface.
 8. The device of claim 6, wherein each of the pair of supports comprises a series of spikes for engaging the surface.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein each of the series of spikes comprises a threaded shaft removable threaded into one of the pair of supports.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the stick trainer is weighted to resist movement from the first position into the second position.
 11. The device of claim 9, wherein the stick trainer is weighted with a weight block having a weight between two and ten pounds.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the stick trainer is biased into the first position by a spring.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the stick trainer is pivotally coupled to the crossbar by a spring hinge that biases the stick trainer into the first position.
 14. A method of developing hockey skills, comprising the steps of: providing a hockey training device on a surface, wherein the hockey training device has a pair of posts extending vertically relative to the surface, a crossbar interconnecting the pair of posts, and a pair of stick trainers, each of which is pivotally coupled to the crossbar at a first end and extends to a blade at an opposing end; positioning a puck in proximity to the blade; and stealing the puck by engaging one of the stick trainers with a hockey stick so that the one of the stick trainers is moved from a first position in contact with the surface to a second position where the one of the stick trainers is spaced apart from the surface.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the stick trainers are biased to resist movement into the second position.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the stick trainers are each weighted to resist movement into the second position
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the stick trainers are each pivotally coupled to the crossbar by a spring hinge that biases the stick trainer into the first position.
 18. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of shooting a puck so that is passes between the pair of posts without contacting the blade of at least one of the stick trainers.
 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of moving a puck in a figure eight so that it passes between the posts and around the blade of each stick trainers. 